With an active baby on the loose, it can seem that every time you turn around, you're opening or closing a gate. But a gate or two can actually make your life a little easier and your child a lot safer by keeping her contained and away from hazards, such as stairs. You can also use a gate to keep a pet away from a child (and vice versa). Child safety gates are intended for children between 6 months and 24 months of age, not for older children.
All the gates Consumer Reports tested can be opened and closed by an adult, but have various designs to prevent children from opening them. Child safety gates come in two basic types, based on the method of installation.
HARDWARE-MOUNTED OR PERMANENT GATE
This type of gate requires screws for installation in a doorway. You drill holes in a door frame or stud behind the wall and attach the gate with brackets and screws. If properly secured to the doorjamb or between two walls, hardware-mounted gates are the most secure choice, although no gate can be guaranteed to keep a child in or out. Many hardware-mounted gates are made with vertical wood, enamel-coated steel, or aluminum tubing slats and top and bottom rails.
Where you'll need it: At the top of the stairs. Hardware-mounted gates are intended for stair locations. Most will swing open only one way--such as away from the stairs--for maximum safety. Some brands allow you to choose in which direction it swings (for example, if you decide to install the gate at the bottom of stairs).
Installation: You must drill holes into the door frame or, if the opening doesn't have a wood door frame, you must drill through the drywall or plaster into the wood framing behind. (You can fill in the holes later with wood putty or wall-patching compound when you no longer use the gate.) You can remove many of these gates from the mounting hardware when you want the doorway or opening free.
PRESSURE-MOUNTED GATE
A pressure-mounted gate is held in an opening by pressure against the door frame or walls. Pressure-mounted gates can have two sliding panels that adjust to make the gate fit the opening. (You remove the panels or slide them to the side to walk through.) A pressure bar or some other locking mechanism then wedges the gate into place without hardware. A swing-style pressure-mounted gate, which has a gate door that swings open, is also an option. Pressure keeps it in place and installation doesn't require drilling. Like hardware-mounted gates, pressure-mounted gates are often made with vertical wood, enamel-coated steel, or aluminum tubing slats and top and bottom rails. They may also be made of plastic, wire, or nylon mesh or plastic-coated wire, which may be framed with end tubes and top rails of either wood or coated metal. A few are made with transparent plastic center panels.
Where you'll need it: Pressure-mounted gates are suitable for less hazardous locations, such as between rooms. They're useful in areas where falling isn't a major concern, such as in a doorway separating two areas with same-level flooring; you might use one, for example, to cordon off your kitchen so you can make dinner without a crawling baby underfoot, or at the bottom of a stairway to discourage your little climber from venturing upstairs. We recommend that you not use a pressure-mounted gate at the top of stairs. Take that recommendation seriously.
Installation: To set one up, you adjust it to fit the opening by squeezing it in place. A pressure bar or other locking mechanism wedges the gate in place, leaving no permanent holes, although it may mar the door frame or wall. Basic pressure gates fit openings between 26 and 38 inches, give or take a few inches, depending on the model. Many houses and apartments have wider door openings, so manufacturers offer wider models--some as wide as 62 inches. Some models have optional extensions you purchase separately.
SHOPPING SECRETS
Decide where you'll use it. A hardware-mounted gate is harder to dislodge than a pressure-mounted gate. That's why it is the only choice anywhere security is paramount, such as the top of a stairway. For less hazardous areas such as between rooms, a portable pressure-mounted gate may do the trick.
Size up the slats. Avoid gates with horizontal slats; they're an invitation for a child to climb. Luckily, there don't seem to be many on the market. Some gates have enough space between their vertical slats to let adventurous toddlers get a foothold on the gate's horizontal bottom rail. They won't be able to climb up the gate, but they may be able to hop onto the bottom rail and go for a ride, which could be unsafe, perhaps even dislodging a pressure gate, or strain the gate's integrity. So look for narrow spaces between the vertical slats. Vertical slats or bars should be less than 3 inches apart to prevent head entrapment, but try to find slats even closer together.
Check construction. Look for sturdy construction and an even finish. Wood surfaces should be smooth, splinter-free, and fashioned with rounded rather than sharply squared edges. Metal is more durable than wood. Some metal gates have a support bar that crosses the floor beneath the gate, which could cause tripping when the gate is open.
Do your homework. Bring width measurements of doors or openings with you when you shop, and try to avoid gates that will need to be at their maximum width to fit; they may wobble.
Try it before you buy. Most tested models have a dual-action latch that can be opened with one adult hand. Try to test models in the store to make sure they're easy for you to use.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
The major brands of child safety gates are, in alphabetical order: Cardinal Gates (www.cardinalgates.com), Evenflo (www.evenflo.com), GMI (www.gmigates.com), KidCo (www.kidco.com), Lascal (www.regallager.com), Mommy's Helper (www.mommyshelperinc.com), North States Industries (www.northstatesind.com), Regalo (available at www.walmart.com), Safety 1st (www.safety1st.com), Simplicity (www.simplicityforchildren.com), Summer Infant (www.summerinfant.com), and The First Years (www.thefirstyears.com). Prices range from $12.56 to $134.99.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Whether you choose a hardware- or pressure-mounted gate, look for one that's JPMA-certified and install it according to the manufacturer's directions. Never use a pressure gate or the pressure-mount option on a gate that can be installed either way at the top of stairs--no matter how much you want to avoid drilling holes into your woodwork. Choose a gate with a straight top edge and closely spaced, rigid vertical slats or a mesh screen. Avoid accordion-style gates without a top filler bar (with open spokes at the top) and gates with horizontal slats or similarly tempting footholds. If you choose a model with mesh panels, look for a fine weave--wide-holed mesh may provide a foothold for climbing or could trap fingers.
Follow mounting instructions carefully. Allow yourself a good hour for installing hardware-mounted gates. If you suspect your gate-installation skills aren't up to snuff or you don't have an electric drill, which is usually required, recruit a handy friend or relative. After you've installed a gate, frequently check hardware where it attaches to the gate and wall. Loose hardware not only makes a gate less effective but may be a choking risk if it falls off, or your baby pulls it off. Pressure-mounted gates can also be surprisingly easy to dislodge. Even the most stable pressure-mounted gate will work loose over time, so inspect it often. Keep large toys, such as stuffed animals or riding toys, away from the gate so they can't be used as a step stool for climbing over the gate.
Always close the gate when you leave the room or use the stairs. Finally, remember that a gate is only a deterrent, not a replacement for adult supervision. You'll still have to keep a close eye on your child.
Features to consider
Gate safety depends on solid construction, reliable hardware, and the absence of entrapment hazards.
Height. To discourage an adventurous child from climbing over, a gate must stand a minimum of three-quarters of the child's height. Most gates measure 22 inches or more from top to bottom. If your child is tall for his age, go with a higher gate. Some stand as high as 32 inches. When a child is taller than 36 inches or weighs more than 30 pounds (usually at about 2 years of age), a gate is no longer adequate or safe.
Installation flexibility. Many gates can be mounted to odd areas, such as stair balusters, angled banisters, and into drywall where there is no wood framing behind. You may, however, need to purchase a specific installation kit for these areas, and adjust to fit openings as wide as 62 inches. Kidco has an installation kit for mounting its gates even to wrought iron. Some hardware-mounted gates can be slid out of their wall mountings, which is a bonus when, say, you're entertaining and don't want the gate in the way.
Latches. Many gates have a dual-action latch that can be opened with one hand by an adult. Try different types of latches in the store to make sure they're easy to use. A gate with a squeezing mechanism opens by compressing parts of the gate, but this type of latch can be uncomfortable to use, so test it in the store. Other options are a pressure-release handle, which can be lifted with one hand to open the gate. Some models have a foot pedal that requires strong pressure to release.
The latest models, such as the Evenflo SimpleEffort and SimpleEffort Plus, both pressure-mounted gates, unlock at the push of a button on a wall console or remote control, though with the SimpleEffort model we tested, we had to wait about 6 seconds to be able to relatch the gate. To open the gate, you won't have to put your baby down. But you still have to push the gate open (your knee can do the job) and close the gate manually. Nine-volt and 4 C batteries are required (not included). The Auto-Close Gate by North States Industries, which can be either pressure- or hardware-mounted, closes and locks automatically with a little shove. Plus, it can be opened by an adult with one hand.
Sound and color. Many gates audibly click when they're shut, signaling that they're doing their
job. Others, such as the Perfect Fit Gate by Safety 1st and the Evenflo SimpleStep Gate, have a color indicator showing when the gate is locked.
Let there be light--on the stairway. At least one model we know of, the Smart Light Stair Gate by Safety 1st, features a motion sensor night-light that glows when you approach it--an added safety and convenience feature around stairs for when you're parenting on the night shift.
Travel. Some pressure-mounted models are marketed for temporary situations, such as travel, and come with a carrying case, like the Kidco Gateway to Go G14. They can make a hotel room or a relative's home more child-friendly.
CERTIFICATION
Located on the frame or packaging, a certification sticker shows that the gate meets the minimum requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary standard and that its manufacturer participates in the certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The standard addresses issues including the size of openings, such as the distance between the bottom of the gate and the floor (so that a small torso can't pass through and there's minimal risk of head and neck entrapment), gate side height, the strength of the top rails and framing components, the integrity of the latching mechanism, and the configuration of the uppermost edge. The following brands of gates bear the JPMA seal: Cardinal Gates, Dorel Juvenile Group (Safety 1st), Evenflo, GMI, Kidco, Kunshan E-Tech Industrial Co., Mommy's Helper, North States Industries, Inc., Regal Lager, Retract-A-Gate/Creative Frontier, Simplicity for Children, Summer Infant Products, and The First Years.
Gate safety depends on solid construction, reliable hardware, and the absence of entrapment hazards.
Height. To discourage an adventurous child from climbing over, a gate must stand a minimum of three-quarters of the child's height. Most gates measure 22 inches or more from top to bottom. If your child is tall for his age, go with a higher gate. Some stand as high as 32 inches. When a child is taller than 36 inches or weighs more than 30 pounds (usually at about 2 years of age), a gate is no longer adequate or safe.
Installation flexibility. Many gates can be mounted to odd areas, such as stair balusters, angled banisters, and into drywall where there is no wood framing behind. You may, however, need to purchase a specific installation kit for these areas, and adjust to fit openings as wide as 62 inches. Kidco has an installation kit for mounting its gates even to wrought iron. Some hardware-mounted gates can be slid out of their wall mountings, which is a bonus when, say, you're entertaining and don't want the gate in the way.
Latches. Many gates have a dual-action latch that can be opened with one hand by an adult. Try different types of latches in the store to make sure they're easy to use. A gate with a squeezing mechanism opens by compressing parts of the gate, but this type of latch can be uncomfortable to use, so test it in the store. Other options are a pressure-release handle, which can be lifted with one hand to open the gate. Some models have a foot pedal that requires strong pressure to release.
The latest models, such as the Evenflo SimpleEffort and SimpleEffort Plus, both pressure-mounted gates, unlock at the push of a button on a wall console or remote control, though with the SimpleEffort model we tested, we had to wait about 6 seconds to be able to relatch the gate. To open the gate, you won't have to put your baby down. But you still have to push the gate open (your knee can do the job) and close the gate manually. Nine-volt and 4 C batteries are required (not included). The Auto-Close Gate by North States Industries, which can be either pressure- or hardware-mounted, closes and locks automatically with a little shove. Plus, it can be opened by an adult with one hand.
Sound and color. Many gates audibly click when they're shut, signaling that they're doing their
job. Others, such as the Perfect Fit Gate by Safety 1st and the Evenflo SimpleStep Gate, have a color indicator showing when the gate is locked.
Let there be light--on the stairway. At least one model we know of, the Smart Light Stair Gate by Safety 1st, features a motion sensor night-light that glows when you approach it--an added safety and convenience feature around stairs for when you're parenting on the night shift.
Travel. Some pressure-mounted models are marketed for temporary situations, such as travel, and come with a carrying case, like the Kidco Gateway to Go G14. They can make a hotel room or a relative's home more child-friendly.
CERTIFICATION
Located on the frame or packaging, a certification sticker shows that the gate meets the minimum requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary standard and that its manufacturer participates in the certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The standard addresses issues including the size of openings, such as the distance between the bottom of the gate and the floor (so that a small torso can't pass through and there's minimal risk of head and neck entrapment), gate side height, the strength of the top rails and framing components, the integrity of the latching mechanism, and the configuration of the uppermost edge. The following brands of gates bear the JPMA seal: Cardinal Gates, Dorel Juvenile Group (Safety 1st), Evenflo, GMI, Kidco, Kunshan E-Tech Industrial Co., Mommy's Helper, North States Industries, Inc., Regal Lager, Retract-A-Gate/Creative Frontier, Simplicity for Children, Summer Infant Products, and The First Years.
